M46 Patton

Specifically, the mismatch in crew values caused by commander's 10% crew skill bonus. Outside of a crew of 1 commander only, 100% crew is a fiction. The client values, given for 100% crew, will normally be taken into battle with 110% crew skill members aside from specific functions, causing their actual performance to deviate from the expected client value.
These differences are taken into account in tooltip boxes.

Dispersion Change Values

Developed in 1948 and 1949, the M46 Patton was a modernized and improved version of the M26 Pershing. A total of 1,168 M46 tanks, in two basic variants, were manufactured between 1949 and 1951. Pattons saw wide use in the Korean War.

It is the evolution of the M26 Pershing. The Patton is slower compared to its tier 9 medium tank counterparts, but its maneuverability and powerful 105mm T5E1M2 gun make this tank a pretty hard target to kill. Even though this tank doesn't have enough armor to take direct hits without damage, its frontal turret position and quick acceleration, combined with its low gun dispersion, allow it to be one of the true masters of creating protection through exploiting the surroundings. By effectively determining when to take on targets or shots of opportunity while focusing on best supporting the team as a whole through the Patton's strengths, the determined player is a positive force on the team's odds of success. Compared to its tier 9 medium tank counterparts, the Patton is an exploiter and force multiplier, able to effectively boost the sight-lines of other tanks and deliver critical punishment at key times.

Radios

Compatible Equipment

Compatible Consumables

Player Opinion

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Great view range with acceptable camouflage allows the M46 to outspot most other tanks

High alpha for a medium

Third highest DPM of all tier IX medium tanks, after E-50 and AMX30 1er prototype

Very good gun depression and gun dispersion values, as well as aim time

Good mobility and maneuverability, and decent acceleration

Cons:

Virtually no armor at all for the hull.

Awful accuracy, one of the worst at tier 9

Bad penetration, even the premium rounds are Mediocre

Very High module damage

Top gun is the most expensive, costing at 68k XP

Performance

In many ways the M46 Patton is similar to the M26 Pershing. It has good mobility and a very reliable final gun at its disposal. Just like the Pershing the M46 Patton can be played as a flanker, a support tank, an erstwhile sniper (made somewhat problematic by the 105mm's mediocre accuracy), and a brawler. The similarities end there, however. The M46 Patton's superior reload-time is one of its strongest assets. Unlike the Pershing, the M46 Patton's DPM is one of the best in its class, being able to fire every 7+ seconds. Combined with the 390 alpha damage of the 105mm gun the M46 Patton can punish most Medium and Light tanks of its tier and below. Against Heavy tanks with inadequate armor the M46 is an extremely dangerous opponent that can shoot twice before they can retaliate. Long range duels are not recommended as the M46's mediocre accuracy and penetration will be telling disadvantages, especially against the likes of the E-50 or the Centurion Mk. 7/1. Let more dedicated snipers deal with that problem while you support them with your view-range.

Another great asset of the M46 Patton is its phenomenal gun-handling. Its low dispersion values allow it to reliably fire on the move and take peeking shots from crests or hills. This allows the Patton to aim, shoot, and run for cover very quickly; often faster than most tanks can react to. Indeed, many Patton users will tell you this tank is capable of connecting shots that were aimed and fired at a moment's notice.

The M46 Patton is also a reliable scout and spotter, with its 410m view range (2nd highest in-game) and increased mobility. It can be a passive or aggressive scout depending on the terrain and the needs of the battle. Unfortunately, because of the 450m view range limit, Coated Optics are more useful than Binoculars, as you will get more out of your already exceptionally good view range.

The M46's final turret is small and sloped, making it difficult to hit at longer ranges. Thanks to recent armor buffs this turret is now sturdy enough for poking around crests and hills without being penetrated in return. The turret is by no means tough as, say, the T-54 but it is now capable of bouncing return-fire from most Light and Medium tanks. Tank destroyers will still have no problem plowing through the front of the turret, and care should be exercised when poking ridgelines; use the gun's fabulous gun handling to snap shots quickly and pull back before the tank destroyers have time to fix their sights on you. As with the M103 the M46's turret armor only works with minimal exposure, when engaging enemies at the front. Taking fire from more than one tank negates the usefulness of the frontal turret armor, so always pay attention to your surroundings.

The M46 Patton still remains a very potent tank despite the introduction of newer medium tanks. Its flexibility, exceptional DPM, and exceptional gun-handling still make it a crucial asset to the team with the potential to deal devastating amounts of punishment.

Early Research

The 90 mm Gun T15E2M2, Continental AV-1790-1 Engine, and SCR 528 Radio carry over from the M26 Pershing. Unfortunately, only the engine and radio can be mounted immediately.

If you don't mind sticking with the stock gun for a while, the Continental AV-1790-5A Engine provides a boost in power for no extra weight. If you would rather mount a larger gun, save this engine for later.

Research the M46T81 Suspension in order to mount the better gun.

Research the 105 mm Gun T5E1M2 for extra damage and penetration, it doesn't need upgraded turret and has nice rate of fire even with stock turret. Enhanced suspension equipment is added in patch 9.3.

From here, research the M46T119 Turret for higher view range and better armor/angling, or the top engine (assuming you haven't already researched it).

Suggested Equipment

Documented Tank and Crew Builds

The Patton can be specialized to fill many roles. With its great view range and DPM, the best combination is either Rammer+VStab+Vents for maximum brawling ability or VStab+Optics+Vents for an active scout and harasser. Likewise, Rammer+VStab+Optics allows it to be a very balanced tank that responds to most situations.

Gallery

M46 Patton front left view

M46 Patton front right view

M46 Patton rear left view

M46 Patton rear right view

Historical Info

The limited use of the M26 Pershing at the end of World War II led US forces to believe they had the basis for a successful tank design. However, the tank did not meet the requirements laid forth by the Ground Forces Equipment Review Board in 1945. The key complaint with the Pershing, was that it was underpowered. The M26 used the same drive train as the M4 series. With the increased weight of the Pershing, it was an inevitable conclusion that a new power plant was needed.

A new engine, the Continental Motors AV-1790-1 V-form, 12-cylinder, water-cooled, gasoline engine was combined with a newly designed General Motors CD-850-1 cross-drive transmission. This power plant provided 740 hp, a somewhat limited increase in power. The novel design of this unit was it acted as a transmission, braking system, and steering system all in one unit. In addition to this modification, a bore evacuator was added to the M3A1 90mm tank gun, along with a single baffle muzzle brake. Certain other changes were made, including an M83 telescopic fire control system, and round transmission access covers.

In essence, the Patton was basically a modernized Pershing. Originally designated the M26E2, the tank was accepted into service as the Medium Tank M46. It was given the nickname "Patton" in honor of the great World War II general George S. Patton, Jr.

With the outbreak of the Korean War, the tank was rushed into action alongside its M26 cousin to combat the North Korean T-34-85s.

The first M46 entered US service in late 1949. The tank saw action in the Korean War from 1950 to 1953, where it proved superior to the Russian T-34-85. About 200 M46 were used by the US forces in Korea. The M46 was retired from US service in 1957. It was exported only to Belgium, and only in comparatively small numbers.

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Historical Gallery

M46 Patton in Korean war

USMC Patton in Korea

M46 Patton in Korea

M47 Patton in museum Vukovar, Croatia

M47 Patton in warehouse Zagreb, Croatia

M46E1 Patton, a development of the M46 with the T119 turret. This eventually became the M47 Patton.

Historical Accuracy Errata

The following are consensus errors or inconsistencies which have been identified with the configuration of the vehicle in question and conflict with information available on the public record. The causes for these divergences in the game are normally not disclosed and may be rooted in game balance.

* While the 105 mm Gun T5E1M2 gun existed in various mounts such as the T95 and the T54E1, the M46 and M47 Patton only used the 90 mm M36. Only a few Spanish M47E2s were upgraded with 105 mm Rheinmetall RH 105-30.

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Sources and External Links

Sources

Forty, G., 2007, The World Encyclopedia of Tanks & Armoured Fighting Vehicles - An Illustrated History Of The World's Most Important Tanks and AFVs From The Beginning Of The 20th Century To The Present Day, Anness Press, London, ISBN:9780754817413.